Match Report

2nd XI v Midsomer Norton (A)

Saturday, 14th May 2016Bristol & District Cricket LeagueDivision 4
With many men posted abroad numbers were low at Chew Magna 2nds (Great Britain) and the Home Guard had a battle on their hands away at MSN (The Gerry’s).
After 38 Telegraphs and a refusal from wheelie Capt. Mainwaring managed to scrape together an ageing but fine body of men to take to battle with the Gerry’s.
After winning the toss Capt. Mainwaring elected to field and it looked a good decision as Private Frazer struck early to remove their opener for 4. But the Gerry’s came back hard and with Private Frazer and Private Cheeseman being despatched to all parts of the ground, it was time for the experience of Lance Corporal Jones (1-20) and Private Godfrey (3-8) to be introduced to the attack to restore order for the Home Guard. Private Godfrey on Debut bowling his grenades with more control than Spitfire Pilot. A few chances were shelled in the field by Sergeant Wilson but little damage was done.
The 18 overs of frugal bowling had now swung the battle in our favour. This was followed by Private Pike (0-21) and Private Sponge (0-26) before Private Frazer (2-47) and Private Cheeseman (3-45) returned buoyed by the comeback to sweep through the Gerry’s defences bowling them out for 175.
Tea was taken and another fine British Cricket tea it was too. With no signs of rationing, Pike came into his own demolishing 4 plates before the restart.
With helmets on and back out of the trenches we returned to battle, Chief Warden Hodgson (15) showed some dogged resistance, but Frazer, Mainwaring and Maurice Yeatman were blown away cheaply. A 12 over stand of defiance from Pike (10) and Wilson (46) took us on to 101-4, which was helped by some wide bombs being delivered by the Gerry’s. With things getting feisty one of the Gerry’s stepped over the line and got into pikes face, with Mainwaring now Umpiring the shout of “Don’t tell him your name Pike” did not help Matters. (Sorry I couldn’t resist).
With the pressure building on Wilson he lost patience and he’s stumps were soon destroyed. It was the start of the end as Pike went straight after followed by Walker who was trapped trench foot before wicket. Godfrey and Cheeseman came and went in consecutive balls (Both Run Out) which left the British hopes in the hands of Sponge and Jones. Jones (15No) went on the attack striking a few boundaries over the enemy line before Godfrey was finally dismissed and the Battle was over.
150 all out 25 runs short. The tired troops returned to base on the losing side but they will be back next week to fight another day.
Cast In Order of Batting
Chief Warden Hodgson - Pat Jones
Private Frazer - Fraser Thomas
Sergeant Wilson - Dave Blower
Capt. Mainwaring - Lee Bryant
Maurice Yeatman - Jamie Coulson
Private Pike - Jackson Bryant
Lance Corporal Jones - Iain Locke
Private Walker - Daf Griffiths
Private Godfrey - Brian Blogdon
Private Cheeseman - And Banks
Private Sponge - Alan Locke